Hey.

Althea Sirius: Here's another update for you.

Micbot37: Glad you found that joke funny. I really should bring Crazy Hand back sometime.

Super Smash Bros. © Nintendo/Masahiro Sakurai

*Smash Mansion Main Hall*

*9:00 AM*

Shulk and Lucina were heading down to check out their fighting schedules for next week. As they walked, they conversed over how far they had both truly come in all the time that's passed since this tournament started.

"So, you really think you could consider yourself the strongest fighter in your world?" Lucina asked.

"I do. Not that others from my world aren't incredibly strong, and I wouldn't have gotten where I am now without 'em, but do they have over 3 years of experience against countless fighters from other universes? Learned how to hold their own against so many different and unfamiliar fighting styles? No. What about you? Do you think you've gotten any better since you got here?" Shulk asked.

"Yes. Before the war against Grima ended, I would often challenge my father to sparring matches in order to improve my own skills. He always bested me, though. However, I do feel like the next time we meet in mock battle, I will win. Still, I don't know if I would call myself the strongest."

"Well, everyone has their opinions, I suppose. Anyway, let's get a look at what we get to deal with this week."

The couple got a good look at who they would be fighting this week. Shulk was somewhat worried about over his Monday brawl against Donkey Kong, Mewtwo, and Bowser, but was determined to give his all against the heavyweights. Likewise, Lucina didn't like her odds in an 8 man Smash she was to take part in on Wednesday. However, there was one thing in particular that caught both their eyes. On Friday, there were no fights listed. On that section of the schedule, the only thing listed was 'Off Day. Pool.' Both Shulk and Lucina were puzzled.

"What does that mean? 'Off day'? Master Hand never gives everyone a full day off at once, minus Family Day. But that's months away." Shulk stated.

"Also, what does he mean by 'pool'?" Lucina asked.

"It's probably referring to the swimming pool out behind the mansion. But what does that have to do with this?"

As they were talking, another Smasher by the name of Lucas came up to look at the schedule for himself. As soon as he saw the bit about the off day, his face brightened.

"Yes! He finally did it!" Lucas shouted with joy.

"What are you talking about?" Shulk asked the boy.

"Well, recently, Ness, Toon Link, and I asked if we could all just have a day off and have a pool party sometime. It took a while, but it looks like he finally said yes." Lucas answered before walking off.

Shulk and Lucina were left thinking about what they just heard. While they had both seen the other Smashers use the pool on numerous occasions, neither of them had ever really checked it out for themselves. They both had other ways they liked to occupy their free time.

Still, Shulk reasoned that perhaps this could be fun. It was currently the hottest part of summer, so perhaps it would be nice to enjoy the sun while also keeping cool. He now looked forward to this upcoming pool party.

"Well, this should prove to be a fun little distraction from all the fighting we usually do." He stated.

"Indeed. And I hope all who attend enjoy it." Lucina responded.

"Wait, you saying you're not going?"

"I don't plan to. There are other ways I think I'll spend my time that day."

"Suit yourself. I just think you ought to come. There's more to this tournament than just fighting. It's also about making new friends with people from other worlds. Maybe you and I should spend time with our friends here. Also, I think you could stand to relax some. Everyone needs to take a load off every once in a while."

Lucina thought over Shulk's words. While she still felt like she'd rather do other things than waste time at the pool, she admitted Shulk was right. This whole tournament was meant to be fun, Master Hand himself said so. She also recalled the numerous times she had almost overworked herself while fighting the war against Grima with her father. Every time she did, either Chrom or one of her other allies would either ask or force her to take it easy for a while. And she had to admit, it did wonders for her once she returned to action. Perhaps a pleasant break could prove useful.

"Very well, I shall go. But I don't think there will be much I'll be able to do."

"Why's that?" Shulk asked.

"Unfortunately, when packing for the journey here, I neglected to bring any kind of swimwear." Lucina answered.

"Maybe I could help."

Shulk and Lucina turned their heads to see who was speaking. Standing not far from them was none other than the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom.

"Peach? How long have you been standing there?" Shulk asked.

"Long enough. Sorry for listening in, but I think I can help. When I came here, I came with a number of swimsuits. I'm certain one of them would fit you, Lucina." Peach replied.

"Very well. Let me see what you have." Lucina said.

"OK, then. Come with me. Shulk, care to come so you can see which one looks best on her?" Peach said.

"Nah. I got a match in 5 minutes I need to head towards. But you ladies have fun." Shulk responded before walking off.

"Alright, follow me to my room and let's see if we can find something for you." Peach stated as she led Lucina to her room.

Before long, Friday had arrived. Many of the Smashers were already down at the pool enjoying themselves. Master Hand's promised pool party had arrived. However, there were a select few who were not yet enjoying said party. Shulk stood outside Lucina's door, wearing only a t-shirt and a pair of swim trunks. He knocked on the door and called out for his girlfriend.

"Lucina? You in there? Are you ready to go?" He asked.

"On second thought, I don't think I'm going. Go without me." She called from behind her door.

"What? Why not? Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine, but I don't feel like going anymore. I'm not sure about how I look. It feels too revealing."

"Come on, now. I'm sure you look great. No need to be shy."

Shulk stood there in silence for a few seconds. He was about to say something, but then he heard the door opening from the other side. Lucina slowly stepped out and let Shulk get a good look at her. She was wearing a simple two-piece bikini that hugged her curves and showed off her figure quite nicely. It was dark blue in color, almost the same as her hair. Shulk had to admit, she looked amazing. Conversely, Lucina couldn't help but look down in embarrassment over her appearance.

"See what I mean? I feel overly exposed. It feels humiliating. Why Peach has something like this, I will never know." Lucina stated.

"Actually, I think you look rather lovely." Shulk said as he wrapped his arm around his girlfriend's now exposed waist.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You couldn't have chosen a better swimsuit. And I guarantee that no one will think badly of you once we get down there."

"…Alright. Let's go." Lucina said after a bit of uncertainty.

The pair then walked out of the mansion's back doors and past the back patio and to the pool area. It was a fairly large pool complete with a diving board and even a small water slide. There were also several deck chairs and tables with deck umbrellas which offered a great view of the gardens that were just beyond the pool. Almost all of the Smashers were either in the pool or around it. Most of them were wearing some manner of swimwear, while others were still in their normal clothes, and some, like Kirby and Sonic, looked no different as they never wore any clothes. Everyone seemed to be engaged in some form of activity, be it playing a game, just floating around, or chatting with others. Lucina noticed that all the girls of the mansion were wearing bikinis similar to her's, which made her feel a little less self-conscious.

Once they arrived, Shulk peeled off his t-shirt and threw it on one of the deck chairs. Lucina looked over at him and couldn't help but blush. She had never seen Shulk without a shirt on, and never imagined that he had such a toned chest or such defined abs. Maybe not as toned as Ryu's or Captain Falcon's, but still, Lucina felt like she was hypnotized by them.

"Lucina? You OK?" Shulk asked, having caught her staring at him.

Lucina snapped out of her trance and turned away from Shulk out of embarrassment, her blush getting even brighter.

"I-it's nothing, Shulk." She stammered.

Shulk knew she was lying, and even had a good idea as to why she was staring at him. But, he decided not to bug her about the issue. Not yet, anyway.

"Right. Anyway, let's get going." He responded.

With that, Shulk made his way into the pool, with Lucina following close behind. The water seemed bitter cold at first, but they soon got used to it and found how nicely it felt against standing in the hot sun. As they both started to relax, they swam a little further into the pool. They came across the Villager swimming around while talking to Palutena.

"Ah, this feels so good. It really feels like the water is soaking all my troubles away." Palutena stated.

"Oh, I agree. I feel like I could stay in here and relax forever. Oh, hello Shulk. Hello Lucina." Villager said.

"Hello." Lucina greeted.

"Hey guys. What're you talking about?" Shulk replied.

"Oh, we were just talking about how nice the water is. I needed this. In between all my Smash battles and my duties as a goddess, I really needed a break." Palutena answered.

"I agree. Being mayor of a city on top of Smash Brothers gets tiring. I'm so glad Master Hand agreed to this pool party."

"I admit, this is quite relaxing. I never knew how much I needed this until now." Lucina added.

"Yeah, it's great to be spending time with friends like this. I'm glad to be doing it outside of battle." Shulk said as he held Lucina close to him.

"However, if you don't mind me asking, what is it you do as a goddess, Palutena? I'm quite curious what a deity's daily life is." Lucina asked.

"Well, I'm certain it's nothing like those in your world, at least based on what I've heard from Marth. The other gods and goddesses from my world are… quite special. As the goddess of light, I typically just look out for the mortals of the world, and protect them from danger, and make sure their lives are relatively nice, usually with Pit's help. It might not sound like much, but it can get pretty stressful at times. But a nice soak is just what I need to take those cares away." Palutena stated.

"Sounds like being a goddess is a lot like being a mayor." Villager added.

"Really? What is it you do, Villager?" Shulk asked.

"I run a town. Not to dissimilar to Smashville, actually. I have to run all the public works and systems, see that my city's people are happy, and make sure everything stays in order." Villager answered.

"Interesting. Can't say we have anything like that back on Bionis." Shulk said.

"Nor can I. The way we run villages in Ylisse is very different." Lucina added.

"Well, to each their own, I suppose. Still, that's what makes this place so interesting. So many different people from so many different worlds coming together." Palutena said.

"True, but it's a shame that most of what we do with each other is fight." Villager pointed out.

"Perhaps, but maybe that's why Master Hand agreed to this pool party, so we could kick back and relax, talk with our friends, loosen up. I only wish the water was a little warmer, like a nice hot spring from Skyworld." Palutena replied.

"Well, have you tried the hot tub?" Shulk asked.

"Hot tub?" Palutena repeated.

"Yeah, over there." Shulk said as he pointed to a steaming tub over on the patio that Mario and Peach were currently relaxing in.

"I see. If you'll excuse me…" Palutena started before jumping out of the pool and running over to the hot tub.

"I think I'll check it out as well. See you guys later." Villager said as he got out of the pool as well.

With that, Shulk and Lucina swam deeper into the pool themselves. They passed by many other Smashers as they headed for the other end of the pool. They stopped when they heard a splash come from next to them and both of them got their hair soaked by said splash. The couple turned their heads in the direction of the splash and saw Corrin and Little Mac emerge from under the water. They also saw Zelda sitting atop Link's shoulders, both looking pretty proud of themselves.

"What's going on here?" Lucina asked.

"Oh, Link and I just won another round of Chicken." Zelda stated.

"Chicken?" Shulk asked.

"Yes. It's a game Ness told us about. Two people sit on someone else's shoulders and try to knock each other off their partner's shoulders. Whoever falls in the water first loses. Care to play a round?" Link offered.

"It's tempting, I'll admit. However, I believe I will pa-AAAAHHHHH!" Lucina shrieked.

As she was talking, Shulk dove under the water and positioned Lucina's legs so they were around his shoulders. He then rose from the water, taking Lucina up with him. They were now in a similar position to Link and Zelda.

"S-Shulk! What are you doing?! Put me down!" Lucina yelled.

"C'mon, Lucina, don't be like that. Let's have a go at this game. It could be fun." Shulk responded.

"*sigh* Very well. Let us get started." Lucina said.

Shulk and Link then approached each other, the girls on top of them ready to do mock battle. Zelda struck first, trying to push Lucina by her shoulders. However, Lucina managed to grab Zelda's hands before the blow could be landed. Zelda struggled to get her arms free while Lucina struggled to hold onto them. Both Link and Shulk were having some difficulty keeping their balance with the girls struggling, but they managed to stay up.

Lucina then landed a blow just above Zelda's chest, almost knocking her off balance. Still, she managed to stay on Link's shoulders and keep fighting. The Hylian princess again lunged for Lucina, but the blue haired princess managed to hold Zelda back. She then grabbed the back of Zelda's neck and pulled forward, attempting to make her and Link fall face first into the water. Ultimately, Zelda managed to pull away from Lucina's grasp and made ready to continue the battle.

Zelda again tried to strike Lucina off of Shulk's shoulders, but Lucina managed to block all of her blows. Not many people knew, but while she preferred to fight with a sword, Lucina was fairly adept in hand to hand combat. She managed to parry one of Zelda's blows and then went on the offensive. She grabbed Zelda's arms and attempted to push her off Link once again, but Zelda managed to wrestle her arms free and block Lucina's attacks.

Another blow toward Lucina's shoulders was blocked by the future princess, but then Zelda went lower and tried landing a blow on Lucina's stomach, but it too, was blocked. Zelda again lunged forward to strike Lucina. However, Lucina managed to stop her attack by grabbing Zelda's wrists and holding them in place. Lucina then pulled Zelda's arms forward, almost sending her and Link head first into the water. Lucina then pushed her opponent's arms back with all her might while simultaneously landing a blow on Zelda's shoulders. The resulting force of both blows managed to knock Zelda off Link's shoulders, sending her falling into the water with a splash.

A handful of Smashers had gathered around to watch the game of Chicken. As soon as Zelda fell into the water, the spectating Smashers began to cheer for their victors. Shulk then ducked under the water and moved Lucina's legs off of his shoulders before rising out of the water.

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?" Shulk asked.

"Actually, it was rather enjoyable. I would not mind doing it again. Shall we?" Lucina answered.

"Perhaps later. I think I'm gonna get out for a while, my skin is starting to prune." Shulk responded.

"Very well. I think I'll stay in and talk with the others for a while." Lucina said.

"Suit yourself. I'll catch you later." Shulk said before swimming out of the pool.

The rest of the day passed by fairly quickly. It was spent by all having a good time, though. Pleasant conversations were had, snacks were enjoyed, tans were made, and games were played (including several more rounds of Chicken, all of which Shulk and Lucina won.). Eventually the sun began to set beyond the horizon, and several Smashers started to head in for the evening. However, some of them decided to stay out a little longer to look up at the night sky and enjoy the cool air. Most were standing either around the pool or on the patio, holding conversations with their friends. There was, however, one blonde Smasher sitting alone in the hot tub, letting the warm water relax him.

"Ah, now this is nice. Just some peace and quiet time. I think I needed this." Shulk muttered to himself.

"So, I take it that you don't wish to be disturbed then." Lucina stated, pulling Shulk from his thoughts.

Shulk couldn't help but smile at his beautiful girlfriend. He then motioned for her to enter the hot tub with him.

"Nah, I wouldn't mind some company, so long as it's you. C'mon in." Shulk said.

Lucina then slowly made her way into the hot tub. She put her left foot in first, recoiling for a second at the temperature of the water, before putting it in again, then put in her right foot, then the rest of her body. The hot water stung a bit at first, but she soon began to relax in it. She then made her way to Shulk's side, who then put an arm around his girlfriend.

"The stars tonight are quite lovely, don't you think?" Lucina asked.

"Yeah, they are. Almost as lovely as you." Shulk answered.

"S-Shulk!" Lucina stammered with a blush.

"Come on, now. Is it so wrong to say how beautiful you are, Lucy? If it is, I don't wanna be right." Shulk said before planting a kiss on Lucina's cheek.

Lucina's blush only deepened at this. As soon as he broke away from her cheek, Shulk held Lucina closer to him.

"You're too good to me, Shulk." Lucina said.

"I try to be."

"I admit, there are times when I wonder what I've done to deserve someone such as you." Lucina confessed.

"Sometimes I wonder the same thing. But I suppose that's why it works." Shulk answered.

"What do you mean?"

"We've both had hard pasts, demons we had to beat, and obstacles to overcome. It wasn't easy, but we did it. And I say we both deserve this kind of happiness. So I think that's part of the reason why this works. We were both able to find happiness and comfort in one another. Happiness and comfort that we desperately needed after everything we've been through. You get what I mean?"

"Well, when you put it like that, I suppose it makes sense. I do feel like I needed some comfort and joy in my life after what happened to me in the past. And you have more than provided me with that kind of comfort and joy. So, thank you, Shulk." Lucina stated as she got even closer to Shulk.

"Not at all. And thanks for making me happy, Lucy. I love you."

At those words, both Shulk and Lucina leaned in for a tender kiss. Once they broke apart, they stared into each other's eyes for some time before Shulk spoke up again.

"Well, it is starting to get late, what's say we head in for the night?"

"Yes, I believe that is a good idea. Hold on, did I bring a towel?" Lucina asked.

"I don't see one, and it seems I forgot one for myself also. Hang on, I'll get a couple. Wait here." Shulk said.

Shulk then exited the hot tub and walked over to the towel rack. He shivered slightly over the cool air, and the fact that he had just walked out of a pool of hot water. He returned to the hot tub with a towel around him, and another one held out for Lucina. She then walked out of the hot tub herself and took the towel Shulk had offered her and wrapped it around herself. She then looked up at Shulk.

"Thank you, Shulk."

"No problem. I must say, I'm glad that they have such large and thick towels here. It makes getting dry so much better."

"No, I mean, thank you for convincing me to come out here today. I did not know how much I needed to relax until now. I would very much like to come out here again sometime."

"Oh, well, you're welcome. And I wouldn't mind coming out here with you again. Just let me know if you want to, and if I'm free, I'll come with."

"That sounds fantastic. But for now, we should be going inside."

Shulk and Lucina then turned and walked inside the Smash Mansion, hand in hand, both having felt that this day was well spent.

Later.